Take Dad to the Circus

Or the movies, or a ride on The Beast, but take him somewhere that he’ll like and that you’ll have a good time. It’s probably the best gift you can give a Fun dad. And not just any Fun (SP) dad but the Pixie Fun dad. Why? Because in type lore, they’re often described as experiencers and so giving them an experience he’ll love complete with his favorite people? Pulease. You’ll hit it out of the park. And it can be pretty damn cheap if it’s a walk in the woods.

This also works well if you’re trying to get your kids into the idea of giving gifts, what it means, etc. This is what Martha suggests:

Kids love to be in charge, so let them take Dad on a Father’s Day “date” of their choosing. Ask them to consider what Dad would like best: a movie, a museum, or a baseball game? A handmade card tells him they’re treating. Kids can buy or draw the “tickets”; Mom can cut a slit for them in the card.

So will this work for other types? Yes. An Organic (NF) is truly the easiest person to buy a gift for because they’re NEVER going to tell you if it was a crappy gift until years later. Okay, I might be overstating it, a bit. But an experience gift that takes into account something special between your dad and you? Or something that you know he loves or has been talking about doing forever? Another hit. I express caution if you’ve got a Classic (SJ) dad. Especially if the kids are still young. Then it might just feel like “babysitting.” This would be better when dad’s craving time with you.

I would be very careful if you’re thinking about doing this for a Smart (NT). They’re not big on doing new things if it isn’t their idea. I could be wrong and tell me if I am, but I’d steer clear of this for them, unless you know they’ll come around once they’re there. Like if you KNOW exactly what your dad is obsessed and something cool has come up that you know they’ll love. My dad, obsessed with the 1930’s and all things Winston Churchill? Hmm. Perhaps a trip to England with a visit to Blenheim Palace and Chartwell? Yeah, a little too once in a lifetime pie in the sky, but you get my drift. Next time there’s a Margaret Bourke-White exhibit in town, I know exactly who I’ll be surprising with tickets.